Epic game
And what a cracking game this still is. It certainly stands out as one of the best platformers on the playstation one - and probably compares pretty well to most playstation 2 platformers also.
This is a classic platformer - there are sections game where you play a side scrolling level, and then in others you are running away from the screen, and finally you are being pursued by a rolling boulder towards to the screen.
There is something in here for everyone. You can play through it really simply and get to the end of the story in a fairly short time. But this game has hidden depths, in the shape of achieving the alternative ending. Each level has to be played through perfectly (.i.e smashing ALL the boxes and not losing a single life) to get this alternative ending and i have to say that this is not for the faint hearted! Some are fairly straight forward, and others are truly difficult and need all your experience, with a dash of good fortune.
The graphics are functional if not spectacular - and that is no real criticism as this game is so old now. The sound effects are spot on too, and the voice acting is pretty good, though real fans of the series will note that Dr Cortex has a different voice in this outing, compared to all the others.
The levels are all quite well thought out too. There are beach levels, bonus rounds, jungle levels, castle levels, and plenty of boss levels, but by far the most fun are the levels where you ride a wild boar. When Crash gets on the back of it, he looks at you and does a really funny look!The eyebrows go up and down in a really funny wiggle, and you can't help but laugh.
The length of the game is about right too. For the beginner it isn't too long, but for the hardened gamer it is a real challenge to attain the 100% needed to view the alternative ending.
Who would like this - well, this game has a really broad appeal. Gamers from the Zx Spectrum and Commodore years will love this as it harks back to the original platformers of yesteryear. Kids will like this - the characters are big, bright and full of energy. There is no violence at all. Hardened gamers should like this game too. It is a bit different from most of the 'in' games, but trust me, it gives a big challenge to almost everyone.
The game has a few minor faults. Firstly, its saving method is really poor - you don't take all the lives you accumalate, you end up with the 4 you started off with!And you can't just save anywhere - only if you complete the bonus rounds, or manage to complete a level perfectly. Secondly, you can't use the analogue controls which makes it a little strange to get to grips with at first. But another than these minor niggles it is a class game through and through. This is well worth buying and reliving a few memories.I had a great time playing it again, and completing everything. I am now on Crash Bandicoot 2: The Wrath of Cortex.........